As God gives great victories to David/Israel over their arch-rivals (The Philistines), He also reminds the nation of the need for reverance and care when serving Him. The Ark of God and its care was a symbol for how the people cared for and nurtured their spiritual lives. God desires that we not stumble in either area.

Yield

Lord, help me not to stumble (physically, emotionally or spiritually) when following You.

Extra Discovery

Read Leviticus 10 and remember the death of two of Aaron’s sons. They stumbled in a different way and were examples of the need to walk uprightly when serving God.

Revelation

David became angry with God over this encounter. He didn’t understand how he could ever succeed if death awaited any mis-step. This was a vital lesson for this young king to learn. God was holy and desired a holy people. A holy people would need to be led by a holy king that followed a Holy God. As God instructs David through this painful process we see a continued quest to Know God and His will and way. Just as David was stretched and tried, so too will we be.